Literacy Resource

     In my Kindergarten classroom, the students take part in an activity known as Read to Self. During this time, the kids find their book bag (pictured above) and spread out around the classroom where they will read through their books silently to themselves. The students have been taught how to read their books the correct way. They know that they must follow along with their finger and try to figure out what the words are based on the pictures in the book. Each student has their own bag with books specifically chosen for them by the teacher. I like that this resource is specific to each child, however I am not sure how often the books are changed. I would hope that the books would be changed every week or two. I would recommend this resource/activity to others as long as it is monitored closely. It would be easy to throw random books in a bag and tell the students to read without checking their progress. This might get repetitive and would not enhance student learning. However, if the books are being rotated, chosen for the students based on interest and skill level, and some type of assessment is administered, the resource would be greatly beneficial. One modification I would make is giving students the opportunity to draw a picture about one of their read to self books, circle certain words throughout the book, or  explain to a partner what their book is about. These opportunities for further inquiry will ensure that the activity is effective and the time is not being wasted.